*** FABRICE LARAT: Histoire politique de l'intégration européenne (1945-2003). La documentation française (29 quai Voltaire, F-75007 Paris. Internet: http: //http://www.ladocumentationfrancaise.fr ). "Les études de La documentation française" series. 2003,128 pp, 14 euros. ISBN 2-11-005351-8.
Fabrice Larat, researcher at the Social Science Research Centre for Europe at Mannheim University in Germany, gives a broad, yet detailed picture in this timely book of the political hisotry of the Eureopan integration process. The process is now sparklingly personified in the European Union, but cannot be reduced to the EU. The author goes on to analyse the various forms of integration there have been since the end of the Second World War in Western and Eastern Europe, along with interference that existed in the various organisations. First of all, he takes a systematic look at the beginning of the European project, from the United Nations Economic Committee for Europe (a failure in terms of a pan-European solution) to the innovative proposal made in the Robert Schuman declaration, via the Marshall Plan, which sparked off institutionalised cooperation with the birth of the European Economic Cooperation Organisation, the first attempts to made advances on the military and political fronts (the WEU and NATO) and the formation of the Council of Europe. The second chapter, entitled “Separate integration and specialisation” looks at the 50s and 60s, when the Warsaw Pact responded to NATO and the WEU, and COMECON being the East's response to the European Economic Community. At the heart of western Europe new bodies were formed (the Nordic Council, the European Free Trade Association, and others), while one saw the development of specialised cooperation. From 1960 to 1989 Europe was situated, in the author's view, between stability, stagnation and relaunch, with changes taking place within all the institutions (the only one to be created at the beginning of the 1970s was the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe). There followed, between 1989 and 2003, huge geopolitical changes and the new institutional structure of Europe, essentially characterised by the extension of NATO and the irresistible rising strength of the European Union.
The final chapter is entitled, "Europe as a power?". Ever since Europe has been able to take charge of its own destiny and since there have been expressions of a growing need to regulate flows of all types arising from the growing pressure of globalisation, the author notes that the question of the future of the European project is now being posed, and more specifically the question of its aims - what exact form should it take, on what scale and with what aims? In the view of Fabrice Larat, it is not given that the achievement of political Europe within the European Union has to be understood as a power, but what is certain, it the fact that all the European states form a community of destiny. That does not mean that he believes the entire continent can be united in the near future within a single structure which is at the same time political, economic and social. In his view, Europe as a community will be formed within an institutional framework whose contours are sketched out by the existing organisations and by the institutional links they develop between one another in the future. He puts forward the thesis that whatever form the system takes (a confederation of organisations, concentric circles, or whatever), integration will most likely remain polymorphous and polycentric. Possibly, but this should be taken with as big a pinch of salt as is de rigueur for any other prediction! Michel Theys
*** DIDIER GEORGAKAKIS (Ed.): Les métiers de l'Europe politique. Acteurs et professionnalisations de l'UE. Presses universitaires de Strasbourg (Palais universitaire, 9 place de l'Université, F-67084 Strasbourg. Tel: (33-3) 88259721 - Fax: 88356523 - e-mail: pus@umb.u-strasbg.fr). "Sociologie politique européenne" series. 2002, 330 pp, 20 euros. ISBN 2-86820-205-5.
Principally the proceedings of a conference organised at the European Parliament in January 1999 by the Groupe de sociologie politique européenne, this book is one of the first to consider the European project from the angle of the professionalisation of stakeholders. It scientifically sketches out several ways of looking at this professionalisation and how its stakeholders are contributing to forming the structure of a new political area. The stakeholders, of course, are the European Commissioners and officials, but the sociologists who contributed to this book add to the ranks of Commissioners and officials, journalists, regional representatives, grass roots activists and trade unionists, alumni of the College of Europe and national civil servants and euro-managers. Looking at how their professions are defined, the book also casts a more general eye on the deep changes currently affected the European Union. (MT)
*** ANTONIO D'ATENA (Ed.): L'Europa delle autonomie. Le regioni e l'Unione Europea. Giuffrè editore (40 via Busto Arsizio, I-20151 Milan. Tel: (39-02) 38089290 - Fax: 38009582 - Internet: http://www.giuffre.it ). 2003, 288 pp, 21 euros. ISBN 88-14-10471-9.
Ever since the Maastricht Treaty, the European Community stopped being affected by the eye disease diagnosed in 1966 by Hans Peter Ipsen, whereby the EU was unable to 'see' sub-state regions present within Member States. This book looks at the solutions selected to treat this disease after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, particularly the reform of Article V of the Italian Constitution. The authors discuss conciliation between the existence of autonomous geographical areas as set out in the constitutions of the Member States in question, and the supranational vision pre-supposed by the European Union. There are also measures in the Maastricht Treaty that enable Member States to be represented in Councils of Ministers by regions holding legislative powers. Antonio d'Atena and the other researchers analyse the particular situation in each of the Member States concerned, comparing the division of powers between autonomous regions and the State. They highlight in the need for a standardisation of regions' powers. The book also looks at the mushrooming of regional offices in Brussels and the role these offices play.(MRo)
*** SIMONE CLABER: Großbritannien und die Europäische Integration unter besonderer Berücksichtigung ordnungspolitischer Aspekte. Peter Lang (1 Moosstrasse, Postfach 350, CH-2542 Pieterlen, Switzerland. Tel: (41-32) 3761717 - Fax: 3761727 - e-mail: publicity@peterlang.com - Internet: http: //http://www.peterlang.de ). "Schriften zur Wirtschaftstheorie und Wirtschaftspolitik", No. 22. 2002, 292 pp. ISBN 3-631-39246-X.
It is economic policy in the tradition of classical laissez-faire and pragmatism that determine the United Kingdom's European policy. The British liberal tradition and the current philosophy behind European economic integration are moving closer together. This is the conclusion reached in this book by economist Simone Claber in her doctoral thesis for the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg. She analyses the views, conflicts and activities of British governments since the Second World War with regard to the European project, noting a degree of continuity despite great changes in terms of the parties in power at different points and the macro-economic orientations pursued. The book gives a good explanation of the political, economic and psychological situation underlying Britain's European policy and provides several key ideas for understanding the challenge of Europe for the United Kingdom and the UK for Europe.
(PB)
*** ANNA VON RECHENBERG: Stage Europe. Praktika bei den EU-Institutionen. Europa-Kontakt Informations- und Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (29 Breite Straße, D-10178 Berlin. Tel: (49-30) 203084070 - Fax: 203084077 - e-mail: eurocontct@aol.com - Internet: http: //http://www.europa-kontakt.de ). 2003, 124 pp. ISBN 3-9808024-4-2.
This is a practical, detailed, user-friendly guide to training courses available at EU institutions and agencies and other international bodies. The advantages of this guide, packed with very useful information, are the explanations of the key roles of the institutions in question, the fact the guide includes decentralised agencies and precise contact details (websites, addresses of recruitment offices, etc.). There is also an applications timetable lasting the deadlines to be respected in the different stages of applying for training courses, which could be very helpful for people wishing to do a training course at the EU. The publishers, Europa-Kontakt, specialise in European affairs and practical guides to funding and scholarships granted by the EU. On their website they give regular information about job offers at the European institutions.
(PB)
*** STEFANIE SCHWARZ, MEIKE REHBURG: Studienkosten und Studienfinanzierung in Europa. Peter Lang GmbH Europäischer Verlag der Wissenschaften (1 Moosstrasse, Postfach 350, CH-2542 Pieterlen, Suisse. Tel: (41-32) 3761717 - Fax: 3761727 - e-mail: publicity@peterlang.com - Internet: http: //http://www.peterlang.de ). 2002, 273 pp, ISBN 3-631-39496-9.
This exhaustive comparative study makes an in-depth analysis of the costs and funding of university study in all EU Member States (apart from Luxembourg) and Switzerland. Against the political backdrop of the controversy in Germany surrounding the introduction of university tuition fees, Stefanie Schwarz and Meike Rehburg, researchers at Kassel University, provide interesting statistics that reveal the various types of university system, student grants and very different socio-economic conditions in western Europe, the Mediterranean, central Europe and Scandinavia. The authors say that the main reason for these differences is a difference in vision and concept with regard to students' role in society. A highly useful book for understanding the debate on the future funding of university education in Europe. (PB)
*** HELMUT KOZIOL, BARBARA C. STEININGER (Eds.): European Tort Law 2002. Springer-Verlag (4/6 Sachsenplatz, A-1201 Vienna. Tel: (43-1) 3302415-0 - Fax: 3302426 - e-mail: springer@springer.at - Internet: http: //http://www.springer.at ). "Tort and Insurance Law Yearbook". 2003, 596 pp, 95 euros. ISBN 3-211-00486-6.
This yearbook published by the European Centre of Tort and Insurance Law (ECTIL) in Vienna takes a very detailed look at changes in insurance and damages law in the EU Member States. The tome begins with two essays on the private sphere in electronic commerce and communication ("e-Privacy") and the relation between law on prejudice and human rights. There are reports on the situation facing human rights law, written by national experts on the legal situation in nineteen European countries, Australia and Israel. The book includes comparative essays at regular intervals and a foreword indicating the basic principles of European prejudice law, written by a group of European experts. A practical reference tool for law practitioners and specialist researchers. (PB)
*** YAN CLAEYSSEN: L'e-mail marketing. Concevoir et lancer une campagne de marketing direct via le mail. Editions Dunod (Paris. Internet: http: //http://www.dunod.com ). "Fonctions de l'entreprise" series. 2003, 224 pp, 28.46 euros. ISBN 2-10-006775-3.
e-mail marketing is on the cutting edge. This book provides advice on how to make a success of an e-mail marketing strategy in three stages: adapting your marketing, mastering the technical side and thinking through the question of finance. (NJo)
*** SABINE HUREL: La Communication Corporate. Enjeux et acteurs de la communication des entreprises. Editions Dunod (see above). "Fonctions de l'entreprise" series. 2003, 209 pp, 27.32 euros. ISBN 2-10-007065-7.
Corporate communication is part of the scenery these days. This book aims to provide keys to understanding it better, considering the stakes and the stakeholders. Sabine Hurel defines the role of strategic communication counselling and gives advice on how to convince and charm. (NJo)
*** JEAN-CLAUDE BRUCHER: Rentabiliser son SAV. Du service après-vente au service client. Editions Dunod (see above). "Fonctions de l'entreprise" series. 2003, 282 pp. ISBN 2-10-006957-8
A doctor in management, the author attempts to provide that after-sales service can and should be profitable. To achieve this, various financial, commercial, legal, IT and human factors have to be considered and the book sheds light on this before going on to suggest new ways of managing and organising after-sales service. (LD)
*** DAVID MAGEE: Comment Carlos Ghosn a sauvé Nissan. Editions Dunod (see above). 2003, 260 pp, 26.18 euros. ISBN 2-10-006942-X.
In this book on how Carlos Chosn saved Nissan, freelance US journalist David Magee paints the portrait and describes the career of the cosmopolitan boss who saved Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer. The book outlines his work experience (working in Brazil and the United States for Michelin, and for Renault in France and… Belgium) and the lessons he learned: spending 5% of your time thinking and 95% acting, the most important thing being to cut costs. Through his picture of this business leader, the author reveals what he sees as the characteristics of a new style of international management … (LD)
*** The EUROPEAN COMMISSION (Official Publications Office of the European Communities, L-2985 Luxembourg. Internet: http: //publications.eu.int) has published the following document:
*** RDT Info. DG Research, Information and Communication Unit (Tel: (32-2) 2959971 - Fax: 2958220 - e-mail: research@cec.eu.int). February 2004, No. 40, 40 pp.
The question is posed: "Can we do without nuclear power?" Nuclear power does not have a good name among public opinion and a series of European countries have announced plans to abandon it in time. However, explains Energy and Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio: “If we give up nuclear power, we give up on Kyoto. Or we don't give up nuclear power and we respect Kyoto, it's as simple as that…" In addition to the controversy surrounding nuclear power, RDT Info also looks at the need to reduce pollution caused by the manufacture and use of medicines, a study of the polar regions and pelagic fish. The magazine highlights the need to protect whistle-blowers, technicians and researchers who draw public attention to malpractice. It takes a look at the 2003 vintage of calls for proposals and gives information about the “Prirogine legacy”, a dozen projects looking at complex systems involving cooperation between Russian and European researchers.
*** L'Observateur OCDE. Les éditions de l'OCDE (2 rue André - Pascal, F-75775 Paris Cedex 16. Tel: (33-1) 45248200 - Fax: 45248210 - e-mail: observer@oecd.org - Internet: http://www.observateurocde.org ). December 2003, No. 240/241, 88 pp. Annual subscription: 50 euros.
In the editorial, Donald J. Johnston, OECD Secretary General, calls for the rebuilding of confidence, needed for a strong economy and social progress, damaged in Cancun and by the Enron and WorldCom disasters, and others. This publication dedicates an article to the aftermath of Cancun, warning against second choice options. There is an article on agricultural reform and the need to preserve the benefits of globalisation. The review also has a special dossier on the information society to accompany the first phase of the Global Summit, held in Geneva on 10-12 December 2003.
*** Rapport 2003 de l'OICS. Organe International de Contrôle des Stupéfiants des Nations Unies (Centre international de Vienne, Bureau E1339, B.P. 500, A-1400 Vienna. Tel: (43-1) 26060 - Fax: 135612 - e-mail: secretariat@incb.org - Internet: http://www.incb.org ). January 2004, 106 pp. ISBN 92-1-248116-7.
The OICS is an independent body monitoring the application of international drugs control treaties. This report studies the connections between drugs, crime and violence at the micro level, the functioning of the international drugs control system and the global situation by continent and sub-continent.
*** Südosteuropa Mitteilungen. Geschäftsstelle der Südosteuropa-Gesellschaft (49 Widenmayerstrasse. D-80538 Munich. Tel: (49-89) 21254-0 - Fax: 2289469 - e-mail: suedosteuropa-gesellschaft@t-online.de - Internet: http://www.suedosteuropa-gesellschaft.com ). 2003, No. 6, 120 pp. 10 euros. Annual subscription: 50 euros.
Südosteuropa Mitteilungen, naturally enough, contains a series of essays on the concept of multi-ethnic societies in the Western Balkans, looking at the reality of a common vision of the United States and the European Union on the future of inter-ethnic relations in the Balkans. Another article, by Turkey's ambassador to Berlin, looks at relations between Turkey, Germany and the EU, and Turkey's contribution to security and stability as a regional power.
*** Gérer et comprendre. Editions ESKA (12 rue du Quatre-Septembre, F-75002 Paris. Tel: (33-1) 42865573 - Fax: 42604535 - Internet: http: //http://www.eska.fr ). "Annales des Mines" series. December 2003, No. 74, 98 pp, 20.,58 euros. ISBN 274720633-5.
At a time when many universities and commercial institutes are preferring not to stock French publications, Michel Berry, editor of this review, is delighted to announce an exceptional dossier on the all-powerful influence networks, edited by Bruce Kogut, with contributions from researchers in the US, Germany, South Korea and Italy. To quote Berry, the researchers take a searching, scientific look at the very small world of big business and the comedy of appearances in business affairs. This issue also looks at other articles like the changing meaning of 'business science', from a term coined in the 19th century which saw companies grow in size and work being organised scientifically, to be renamed 'management science'. Simply a change of name or a genuine evolution?